Salt River Materials Group Manager Recognized by Portland Cement Association

Presented at PCA’s annual fall committee meeting, August 26, 2014, in Chicago, the awards honor employees of member companies who have exhibited industry leadership by taking the Association in new directions. Awards are presented in each of PCA’s two categories of key strategic initiatives: Business Continuity and Market Development as well as Young Leaders. Palmer was honored in the Market Development category.

Palmer, manager of market development for Salt River Materials Group,Scottsdale, Arizona, has been a tireless champion for the use of concrete walls systems as a resilient and energy-efficient technology for single-family homes. Most recently, he has spearheaded work with Meritage Homes to value-engineer HercuWall® and establish a (6) home pilot project in Goodyear, AZ. The result is for the first time ever a major national home builder is offering a concrete wall system for the same price as wood.

In addition to the Meritage Partnership, Palmer worked with Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona to build the Greenbuild Demonstration Home featured at the 2009 Greenbuild Convention; co-founded the Smart Home Alliance to promote sustainable, energy-efficient residential construction with concrete; partnered with other local affiliates to construct another demonstration home in Sedona, Arizona featuring HercuWall®; and was a founding board member of the Green Builder Coalition.

The award is named after John P. “Jay” Gleason, Jr., who served as PCA president from 1986 until his retirement in 2007. Gleason was known for his consensus building among both members and allies and for his strong leadership skills.

About PCA
Based in Washington, D.C., with offices in Skokie, Illinois, the Portland Cement Association represents cement companies in the United States. It conducts market development, engineering, research, education, and public affairs programs. More information on PCA programs is available at www.cement.org.